Museum · Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture: free tickets, timed passes & hours
The Smithsonian museum of African American history, life and culture, in the bronze-clad building next to the Washington Monument.
Independent guide, not the official African American History Museum website. Official links are under Sources.
African American History Museum is free to enter.
- Open today 10:00–17:30.
- Book free timed-entry passes on tickets.si.edu (NMAAHC admission). Release schedule and any same-day or walk-up allowance could not be read on nmaahc.si.edu.
Before you go
How to actually get in for free
- Free admission for everyone with a free timed-entry pass: Book free timed-entry passes on tickets.si.edu (NMAAHC admission). Release schedule and any same-day or walk-up allowance could not be read on nmaahc.si.edu.
- Mondays open only at noon (10am on federal holiday Mondays).
- Start at the bottom: the history galleries below ground take two to three hours on their own.
- Sweet Home Café inside is a popular lunch stop.
All free options
Who gets in free, and when
| Free option | Who | Conditions | Book? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always freeFree admission for everyone with a free timed-entry pass | everyone | — | Yes |
Tickets & tours
Best-rated tickets and tours: African American History Museum
Ratings and prices from the booking partners; prices may change.
Practical
Opening hours & how to get there
| Mon | 12:00–17:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00–17:30 |
| Wed | 10:00–17:30 |
| Thu | 10:00–17:30 |
| Fri | 10:00–17:30 |
| Sat | 10:00–17:30 |
| Sun | 10:00–17:30 |
Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5:30pm; Monday noon-5:30pm (10am when Monday is a federal holiday); closed 25 December.
1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Also free nearby
Make a free afternoon of it
Worth paying for nearby
Paid highlights within walking distance
FAQ
African American History Museum: common questions
Is African American History Museum free?
Yes — African American History Museum is free to enter.
Do I need to book for free entry to African American History Museum?
Book free timed-entry passes on tickets.si.edu (NMAAHC admission). Release schedule and any same-day or walk-up allowance could not be read on nmaahc.si.edu.
Visitor reviews
What visitors say about African American History Museum
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Sources
Where this comes from
- si.edu/museums/african-american-museum · checked Tuesday, 27 October 2026
- si.edu/visit/hours
Every free rule is checked against the official source and re-checked on a schedule. Spotted a change? Tell us.